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“An eyesore.”

“Unsafe.”

Just two of ways that principal Mr. Tom DeMaio described the old tennis courts at Pascack Valley.

After many failed attempts to fix the deteriorating tennis courts near the front of the school, the district knew that the courts needed to be replaced. In addition to replacing the courts, they were also looking to add a fifth court, as a varsity tennis match involves five separate matches that are usually played simultaneously. However, there was not enough space in the already crowded front of the school.

Considering alternative locations, planners looked to the back of the school, behind the football field. Unfortunately, that land does not belong to the district; it belongs to the county. Luckily, Mr. DeMaio said that the Bergen County Freeholders Office was “very cooperative and very excited” to work with the district to come to a joint agreement. By the terms of the agreement, the county granted the district the land to build the five tennis courts, but the district provided the funds necessary to construct them. Also under the agreement, the Pascack Valley tennis teams and physical education classes are allowed to use the courts. When not in use by students, any Bergen County resident is permitted to come play on the courts. On January 27, 2014 it was estimated that they would cost $798,545.

Although the plan initially was to have the courts ready for the 2014-2015 school year, but there were some hiccups in a lengthy process, which included trimming trees and a turtle survey. After all the necessary planning and preliminary steps, work finally began this past summer.

Completed prior to the beginning of the school year, many agree that the new courts and accompanying Gazebo are beautiful. Not only are the blue and green courts visually appealing, but they have a “great playing surface,” DeMaio reported.

The girls tennis head coach, Mr. Thomas Gallione, believes that the new courts are “a lot nicer” than the old one. He said that the addition of the fifth court has made everything “run a lot smoother,” not only for matches, but for practices as well. Gallione was also pleased that the new courts have a lot more space near the baseline and between courts, so that the girls aren’t right on top of each other.

Speaking of the girls, they have taken a liking to their new digs as well. “It’s a really nice atmosphere,” senior captain Brianna Ruback exclaimed. Her teammate and fellow senior captain Grace Cho explained that the isolated location of the new courts enables the team to focus more during matches.

As for the their old “home,” the courts are still in existence, but they won’t be for long. Mr. DeMaio mentioned that they will be demolished after the school year. The plan for the location that they currently occupy is “to change the traffic pattern,” in the front of the school, which he hopes will improve safety. In addition to changing the flow of traffic, some parking spaces will be added. However, DeMaio specifically noted that this doesn’t mean parking for every student.

Game. Set. Match. It looks like the new tennis courts are a real win for Pascack Valley.